Malawi schoolchildren are now able to work by electric light thanks to UK solar firm Renewable Resources.

The Scottish company, headquartered in New Lanark, decided that it was the company’s duty as an environmentally-friendly organisation to give back and so partnered with Spirit Aid, a humanitarian relief organisation founded by Scots actor David Hayman.

Eleven solar modules were installed at a local school in Mphata-Mildone, Malawi. The PV panels are connected to batteries in order to power the school as a stand-alone building. The system provides off-grid lighting for the school as well as allowing the children to learn to use computers.

The project was supported by donations from ET Solar, who provided the modules, and Seko Logistics, who provided air and road freight support to get the equipment to Malawi.

Paul Gribben, Chief Executive of Renewable Resources, who oversaw the project said: “This project was part of our commitment to use solar power to enhance the quality of people’s lives and also for the improvement to the planet and just to see the look on the children¹s faces made all the effort worthwhile. I feel it is incumbent on all successful companies to do what they can to improve the lot of those who do not have the obvious benefits that we enjoy in our country.”